Air hockey tabletop assembly, table comprising same and associated method

ABSTRACT

An air hockey tabletop assembly comprising at least two segments, each defining a respective portion of an air hockey playing surface, the assembly being configurable between: an assembled state wherein the segments are joined and supported by a table so as to define the playing surface; and a disassembled state wherein each segment is removable from the table.

The present application claims the benefit and right of priority under35 U.S.C. § 119 of Australian Patent Application No. 2021900129, whichis incorporated herein by reference in the entirety.

The complete specifications of Australian patent application nos.2019902573, 2019902830, 2020101427, 2020101713 and 2020903983 areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an air hockey tabletop assembly, and atable comprising said tabletop assembly.

BACKGROUND

Certain table-based games and sports, such as air hockey, pool,billiards, and table tennis, require a relatively large table for play.Additionally, such tables are relatively large, difficult to move, andtake up a considerable amount of space. As such, for homes with limitedspace, having one or more such tables is prohibitive, and thus manypeople refrain from purchasing such tables and cannot enjoy theassociated table- based games in the comfort of their own homes. Thedining table is typically the largest table a household might have, andit is generally not easily adaptable for playing tabletop games such asair hockey.

Additionally, if one wants to play different table games in their ownhome, they typically need to purchase a separate table for each game:for example, they would need to have an air hockey table to play airhockey and a separate pool table to play pool. Owning one or more suchtables not only takes up a considerable amount of space in one's home,but these tables are also largely unused for purposes other than theassociated table game.

A tabletop game such as air hockey is typically played on a table with asmooth top surface having small openings through which air can besupplied to give the puck a gliding effect. It is conventional to format least this top playing surface with openings from a single orunbroken piece of material so that the playing surface is smooth andflat, and so that air supplied through the openings is even andconsistent across the openings. Otherwise, the playing surface maypresent unevent areas, slopes, bumps, raised regions and the like thatwould undesirably disturb the motion of the puck during play.

There is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a usefulalternative.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedan air hockey tabletop assembly comprising at least two segments, eachdefining a respective portion of an air hockey playing surface, theassembly being configurable between:

(a) an assembled state wherein the segments are joined and supported bya table so as to define the playing surface; and

(b) a disassembled state wherein each segment is removable from thetable.

In embodiments of the invention, in the assembled state, the segmentsare joined to form a substantially flat and continuous playing surface.

The playing surface may be substantially formed of a thin and slickplastic having openings through which air may be supplied to the playingsurface.

In embodiments of the invention, interfacing ends of the segmentscomprise support means for maintaining the playing surface in asubstantially flat condition.

The support means may comprise elongate metallic strips or bars. Forexample, the support means may comprise a steel or aluminium bar.

The plastic playing surface may be at least partially secured to thesupport means to help keep the playing surface substantially level andflat. This can help to keep the plastic playing surface relatively freefrom distortions that might otherwise inadvertently affect the motion ofa puck moving thereacross.

In embodiments of the invention, the support means further comprisesconnection means configured to enable the joining of adjacent segmentsat their interfacing ends.

The connections means may comprise a complementary tongue-and-grooveconnection mechanism. For example, the support means of one segment ofthe tabletop assembly may comprise one or more protrusions, ridges or“tongues”, and the support means of an opposing segment of the tabletopassembly may comprise one or more corresponding and complementarilyshaped slots, openings or “grooves” for receiving said “tongues”.

In embodiments of the invention, each segment comprises framingunderlying the playing surface via which the segments can be supportedby the table.

In embodiments of the invention, the framing comprises a memberunderlying respective support means.

The framing may include rigid support bars, such as one or more steelbeams. The steel beam may underlie and be secured to the aforementionedsupport means. This may further help the support means maintain itsrigidity and may thus impede distortion of the playing surface securedthereto.

In embodiments of the invention, the framing is provided with paddingfor receipt of an upper surface of the table.

In embodiments of the invention, adjacent segments are releasablysecurable to one another.

In embodiments of the invention, the assembly comprises two segments,each generally defining one half of the tabletop assembly.

In embodiments of the invention, the assembly is configured to beassembled on and supported by tables such as pool tables, billiardstables, dining tables and the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda table comprising an air hockey tabletop assembly according to a firstaspect of the present invention, the table being configurable between:

(a) a first use state wherein the tabletop assembly is disassembled andnot supported by the table; and

(b) a second use state wherein the tabletop assembly is assembled andsupported by the table such that the table can be used for playing airhockey.

In embodiments of the invention, the table is height-adjustable.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of configuring a table, such as a pool table, for air hockey,using an assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention,comprising:

(a) placing each segment of the tabletop assembly on the table such thatthey are supported thereon; and

(b) bringing the segments together such that they are aligned and definean upper playing surface on which air hockey can be played.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more easily understood, an embodimentwill now be described, by way of example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pool table carrying an airhockey tabletop assembly according to embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pool table of FIG. 1 carryingone segment of the air hockey tabletop assembly, the other segment beingremoved and revealing the playing surface of the pool table;

FIG. 3(a) is a rear perspective view of the segment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3(b) is a front perspective view of the rearmost segment of the airhockey tabletop assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a close-up side view of interfacing ends of the segments ofFIGS. 3(a) and 3(b);

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are close-up views of the interfacing ends of thesegments of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a close-up top perspective view of a playing surface of theair hockey tabletop assembly at an interface between the segmentsthereof; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the segment of FIG. 3(b).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures show an existing pool table 2 configured with an air hockeytabletop assembly 4 according to embodiments of the present invention.The air hockey tabletop assembly 4 allows the existing pool table 2 tobe easily and reversibly converted to an air hockey table, though theassembly 4 may, of course, be adapted for other types of tables, such asdining tables, study tables and table tennis tables.

In FIG. 1, the tabletop assembly 4 has been assembled to form an airhockey table. The air hockey table comprises an air hockey playingsurface 6. The surface may have evenly distributed openings throughwhich air may be blown by one or more fans. With reference to FIG. 7,the fans 8 may underlie the playing surface 6.

The air hockey tabletop assembly 4 comprises two main segments 10 a, 10b. The segments 10 a, 10 b generally define respective halves of theassembly 4, and thus each generally comprises a respective half of theair hockey playing surface 6 a, 6 b. The segments 10 a, 10 b can bedisassembled from one another and removed from the table 2, therebyrevealing the underlying pool table 2 via which games of pool can beplayed.

Conventional air hockey table playing surfaces 6 are typically made froma relatively slick and thin plastic material. This plastic surface 6 canbe prone to warping and distortion if it is not sufficiently supportedand/or secured, which can compromise the quality of play, particularlywhen the motion of the air hockey puck is inadvertently affected bydistortions in the playing surface 6.

Additionally, due to the structure and construction of conventional airhockey tables—which involve a porous and thin playing surface and one ormore fans for supplying air to the playing surface—it is difficult tophysically split or divide the air hockey playing surface 6 and thustable without compromising the smoothness of the playing surface 6.

An important consideration of the present assembly 4 is not only thesplitting of the air hockey playing surface 6 but also how to ensurethat the two segments 10 a, 10 b can be assembled such that the playingsurfaces 6 a, 6 b thereof form a substantially flat and substantiallysmooth playing surface 6. Ideally, the assembled playing surface 6comprises little-to-no distortions, such as bumps or raised segments,which would inadvertently affect the motion of the puck. How theassembly 4 may be split and configured to achieve a relatively flushplaying surface 6 is described below.

FIG. 4 shows respective inner ends or faces 12 a, 12 b of respectivesegments 10 a, 10 b. To assemble the segments 10 a, 10 b, theinterfacing ends 14 a, 14 b thereof are brought together on the table 2to form a substantially smooth air hockey playing surface 6.

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) show the interfacing ends 12 a, 12 b of the twosegments 10 a, 10 b respectively. Referring to the segment 10 a of FIG.5(a), the interfacing end 12 a thereof comprises a laterally extendingand substantially rigid support means 14 a. In the depicted embodiment,the rigid support means 14 a is in the form of an elongate metallic(e.g. aluminium) member, such as an aluminium strip or bar 14 a.

Referring to FIG. 3(a), the thin plastic playing surface 6 a of thesegment 10 a is secured to the aluminium member 14 a, which helps keepthe playing surface 6 a level, flat and relatively distortion-free.

Referring to FIG. 5(b), the other segment 10 b of the assembly 4 mayhave a corresponding aluminium support member 14 b.

In preferred embodiments of the assembly 4, the rigid support means 14a, 14 b may also comprise complementary connection means to enable thetwo segments 10, 10 b to join together. To this end, FIG. 5(a) showsthat the aluminium bar 14 a of the left-side segment 10 a comprises twoor more raised ridges or protrusions 16. FIG. 5(b) shows that thealuminium bar 14 b of the right-side segment 10 b comprises two or morecomplementary slots or grooves 18. When the interfacing ends 12 a, 12 bof the respective segments 10 a, 10 b are brought together, they may bealigned with one another via a precise tongue-and-groove connectionbetween the ridges 16 and the corresponding slots 18.

After the two segments 10 a, 10 b are brought together and aligned viathe ridges 16 and grooves 18, the two segments 10 a, 10 b can beselectively secured to one another via securing means 20. FIGS. 4 and 5show an embodiment in which the segments 10 a, 10 b are securely engagedwith one another via a latching mechanism 20.

FIG. 6 shows how the substantially rigid support members 14 (i.e., 14 aand 14 b) align with and join one another when the tabletop 4 isassembled. Although the metallic support bars 14 a, 14 b (i.e., 14 inFIG. 6) are visible, they are substantially level with or just below theplastic playing surface 6. As such, the metallic members 14 a, 14 b donot (or only negligibly) affect the motion of the puck.

Referring to FIG. 7, along with FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the air hockeytable assembly 4 also comprises a structural frame 22 underlying theplaying surface 6 and interconnecting a wooden apron 24 of the segments10. Significantly, the framing 22, which may be formed from steel,includes cross-beams 26 at the interfacing ends 12 a, 12 b of therespective segments 10 a, 10 b. In the Figures, the respectivecross-beams 26 are positioned beneath the rigid aluminium bars 14 a, 14b to further help the segments 10 a, 10 b maintain their shape and thusminimise the likelihood of warping of the plastic playing surfaces 6 a,6 b at the interfacing ends 12 a, 12 b. FIG. 7 also shows that anelectric fan 8 underlies each playing surface 6 a, 6 b and is configuredto supply air to the air hockey tabletop assembly 4.

The metallic frame 22 is configured to rest on an upper surface 28 ofthe pool table 2 to be supported thereby (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)). Inthe depicted embodiments, contact surfaces of the framing 22 areprovided with protective padding 30 so that the metal frame 22 does notdamage or scuff the table 2 upon which it rests.

Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, although the depicted assembly 4 show comprisestwo segments 10 a, 10 b, it is, of course, possible for the tabletop 4to be formed from more than two segments. This may allow each segment tobe smaller and lighter. Additionally, while the segments are shownjoining along a transversely extending interface, the interface mayinstead extend longitudinally, such that each segment is substantiallythe length of the assembly.

The table upon which the air hockey tabletop assembly is assembled mayalso be height-adjustable, and reference is made to the subject mattercontained in the patent applications referenced above.

When not in use, the air hockey segments 10 a, 10 b may be stowed, forexample, on a trolley or cart specifically configured to store varioustabletops, such as table tennis tops, foosball table tops and the like.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not theexclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (orinformation derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not,and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form ofsuggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it)or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the fieldof endeavour to which this specification relates.

1. An air hockey tabletop assembly comprising at least two segments,each defining a respective portion of an air hockey playing surface, theassembly being configurable between: (a) an assembled state wherein thesegments are joined and supported by a table so as to define the playingsurface; and (b) a disassembled state wherein each segment is removablefrom the table.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein in the assembledstate, the segments are joined to form a substantially flat andcontinuous playing surface.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, whereininterfacing ends of the segments comprise support means for maintainingthe playing surface in a substantially flat condition.
 4. The assemblyof claim 3, wherein the support means further comprises connection meansconfigured to enable the joining of adjacent segments at theirinterfacing ends.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, each segment comprisesframing underlying the playing surface via which the segments can besupported by the table.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the framingcomprises a member underlying respective support means.
 7. The assemblyof claim 5, wherein the framing is provided with padding for receipt ofan upper surface of the table.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, whereinadjacent segments are releasably securable to one another.
 9. Theassembly of claim 1, the assembly comprising two segments, eachgenerally defining one half of the tabletop assembly.
 10. The assemblyof claim 1, being configured to be assembled on and supported by tablessuch as pool tables, billiards tables, dining tables and the like.
 11. Atable comprising an air hockey tabletop assembly comprising at least twosegments, each defining a respective portion of an air hockey playingsurface, the assembly being configurable between an assembled statewherein the segments are joined and supported by a table so as to definethe playing surface; and a disassembled state wherein each segment isremovable from the table, the table being configurable between: (a) afirst use state wherein the tabletop assembly is disassembled and notsupported by the table; and (b) a second use state wherein the tabletopassembly is assembled and supported by the table such that the table canbe used for playing air hockey.
 12. The table of claim 11, the tablebeing height-adjustable.
 13. A method of configuring a table, such as apool table, for air hockey, using an assembly comprising at least twosegments, each defining a respective portion of an air hockey playingsurface, the assembly being configurable between an assembled statewherein the segments are joined and supported by a table so as to definethe playing surface; and a disassembled state wherein each segment isremovable from the table, the method comprising: (a) placing eachsegment of the tabletop assembly on the table such that they aresupported thereon; and (b) bringing the segments together such that theyare aligned and define an upper playing surface on which air hockey canbe played.